Commencement

 

“Go forward, attempt great things, accomplish great things”

— Mary Lyon, Founder of Mount Holyoke College

Commencement is a treasured ceremonial occasion that celebrates students who have graduated from Mount Holyoke College after completing all academic requirements and obligations. Typically, Mount Holyoke holds one annual Commencement in May to honor all graduates.

 

Rewatch the livestream of the Commencement ceremony >

Mount Holyoke's 185th Commencement for the Class of 2022 will be held on Sunday, May 22, 2022 at 10:30 am in the Kendall Field House

Please note that the College has hired an outside service, Grad Images, to photograph every student as they cross the stage during Commencement. Grad Images will reach out to students regarding photo purchase afterwards.

Health and Safety

A number of health and safety requirements will be in effect for Commencement weekend. We have also posted a heat advisory for May 21 – 22.

Welcome Tent and Guest Registration

All guests visiting campus Commencement weekend must register at the Welcome Tent and verify vaccination or testing status. Guests will receive a wristband to access any buildings or events throughout the weekend. It is very important that this be guests first stop when arriving for the weekend in order to prevent any delay or inconvenience.

Sunday, May 22
Location: Kendall Field House
Hours: 7:30 am – 11 am

Upcoming Events

View all Commencement Week events >
A view of the audience and attendees of Mount Holyoke's 185th Commencement.

Learning, dancing, soaring

In person once again, Mount Holyoke College’s 185th Commencement focused on resiliency, justice and joy.
At Mount Holyoke College's Final Lecture for 2022, students were thrilled by their professors' advice -- with and without banjos.

Pickin’ at wisdom

At Mount Holyoke’s Final Lecture, students got some parting wisdom — and a just-written-for-them song.
At left, Ocean Vuong; then, clockwise: Susannah Sirkin ’76, Katherine Butler Jones ’57, and Natalie Diaz

2022 Commencement speakers announced

Poet Natalie Diaz, Katherine Butler Jones ’57, Susannah Sirkin ’76 and author Ocean Vuong will speak to Mount Holyoke’s class of 2022 at its Commencement.
Illustration of the field gate drawn on a graduation cap

Introducing the graduates of 2022

The newest almost-alums of Mount Holyoke College are smart, passionate, curious, flexible, accomplished. Read a few of their stories.
A red banner with the pegasus and "Mount Holyoke Class of 2022"

Digital goodies

Celebrate the day with Instagram and Facebook filters and banners!
Photo of students marching in the Laurel Parade

Commencement Traditions

The days preceding Commencement are especially alive with tradition. See what’s in store!

Commencement Events for the Class of 2020

See the Commencement 2020 page for information regarding the celebrations taking place during Reunion weekend, May 27–29, 2022.

Health and Safety Requirements

Please make a note of the health and safety requirements that will be in effect for Commencement and Reunion weekends.

Kendall Field House Accommodation Request (Tickets/Seating)

If you or any of your guests have a physical disability or other special need that requires accommodation during the Commencement ceremony, please indicate the nature of services you are requesting no later than Thursday, April 30.  The information you provide will be shared only with those individuals involved with coordinating services and accommodations. 

Please note that we do not provide wheelchairs.  

If you have any questions concerning accommodations, email commencement@mtholyoke.edu.

Submit the accommodation request form

Travel Guidelines

Be sure to follow the latest Massachusetts travel guidelines when making plans to attend Commencement.

Contact Us

Email commencement@mtholyoke.edu with questions.